DRZ-400SM

[mito]

So I sold my GSXR with the intention of staying off two wheels for a while, bored of driving to work already so hunting around for a work hack I can use over winter months.

Found a cheap (sub 3K) 08 plate DRZ400SM for sale, only got 10k on the clock, which looks ideal for my 12 mile commute.

Anyone own/owned one of these, pros/cons?

Thanks

Andy

[MOzZereLLa]

Bulletproof but slow / boring as fuck.

If you can find one a 640 KTM LC4 is much better and just as reliable.

[mito]

I did watch some guys review on youtube last night and it did look slow, but I put it down to normally riding a sportsbike.

Found a 04 LC4, a black one with just under 20k on clock for £2995, FSH , Akky Can and a years ticket

Sound reasonable?  I know nothing about them - will do some research later

Cheers

[MOzZereLLa]

Mileage sounds fairly high.

A full service history is a total must for the LC4. You might want to find out if any of the engine internals have been replaced in its life.

[whoopee]

My son has owned both bikes discussed above.
The DR was the knobbly version though as opposed to the SM & the LC4 engined bike was the DukeII.

MOZ's advice pretty much exactly follows my sons thoughts on the 2 bikes. (he actually owned them at the same time but the DR was stolen after a few months)
He found the Suzuki reliable but dreadfully boring/gutless.
He utterly loved his DukeII & still hankers after another despite now being onto his 3rd litre bike - it did blow its base gasket during the running-in period however & being a single, he had to keep on top of tightening things up after vibrating loose. (dual underseat exhausts often rattled free from their hangars)

Hope this helps.

[LewisBeGoog]

My mate had a DRZ400 SM, Enjoyed it but yes it was slow, for a short twisty commute it wouldn't be a bad choice though.

[mito]

Will probably end up using it for blasts with my mates if I don't buy another sports bike next summer.

So will up the budget and go see this at the weekend 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KTM-690-SMC-Supermoto-motorcycle-690cc-Monster-energy-Akrapovic-/161121590231?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2583985bd7

[MOzZereLLa]

Can't access eBay at work, but the 690 is an excellent bike - FSH still a must.

Beware, Supermoto's can be very frustrating, especially if you plan to rideout with others who are on sportsbikes......

They rock as back lane blasters however.

[David W]

As long as you're prepared to be completely outrun by any Sportsbike (or bike for that matter) built in the last 25 years, Supermotos are great. 

[MOzZereLLa]

Check out the KTM forum - http://www.ktmforum.co.uk/bikes-bits-sale/361913-ktm-690-smc.html

[mito]

Cheers for all your help

Cheers Moz, will sign up and have a read

[terry950sm]

As long as you're prepared to be completely outrun by any Sportsbike (or bike for that matter) built in the last 25 years, Supermotos are great. 

In a straight line, I agree. On the twisties dont think so. 

[Alzo]

As long as you're prepared to be completely outrun by any Sportsbike (or bike for that matter) built in the last 25 years, Supermotos are great. 

In a straight line, I agree. On the twisties dont think so. 

A biking myth...sorry but with equal talented riders a Supermoto would be handed it's arse on any road.

[terry950sm]

As long as you're prepared to be completely outrun by any Sportsbike (or bike for that matter) built in the last 25 years, Supermotos are great. 

In a straight line, I agree. On the twisties dont think so. 

A biking myth...sorry but with equal talented riders a Supermoto would be handed it's arse on any road.

Must be a myth then, if you say so. There again I have posted this on a sport-bike web site. 

[Gobert]

A can think of a lot of "B" roads around here where the supermoto would have an advantage.....